23 July 2022
Bishop Guli has visited some of the communities impacted by Tuesday’s fires in East London.
Accompanied by the Archdeacon of Barking, the Venerable Chris Burke, she visited Rainham Parish Church where they met and prayed with worshippers from the parishes of Wennington and Rainham and their Vicar, the Revd Elise Peterson.
They then visited the village of Wennington where many people tragically lost their homes, including some members of the church community. After prayers in the 13th Century Wennington Parish Church which remarkably escaped damage, they visited nearby Dagenham, where residents also lost homes, and said prayers at the Church of St Peter and St Paul.
Speaking about the visit, Bishop Guli said:
“It was humbling to meet with people whose lives have been turned upside down by these horrific fires. I thank them for sharing their stories and experiences. The love and care they have shown to each other and their deep faith in God during this time of great challenge is incredibly powerful and moving.
We give thanks that there was no loss of human life and pray for those who have lost their homes.”
The Revd Elise Peterson added:
“We’re rejoicing that the church miraculously has survived intact, but we are also mourning with our neighbours who have lost their homes. It has been a real privilege to come alongside them and hear their stories and share their grief. I have been overwhelmed by the prayers offered and the care and generosity expressed by friends and colleagues across the world.
This is going to be a long restoration effort for the village and we as a church are committed to doing whatever we can to support the villagers.”
